One of Canada's leading marketing managers who has contributed to the success of companies ranging from produce growers to software manufacturers has been named the 1999 recipient of the Great Trekker Award.
Glenn Wong, president and general manager of Electronic Arts (Canada) Inc., graduated from UBC in 1980 with a degree in Commerce and Business Administration.
"I am surprised, honoured and thrilled to receive this award," says Wong. "UBC taught me so much about how to learn and how to keep learning. I've used that knowledge in every role I've had."
The award is given to alumni by the Alma Mater Society (AMS) to recognize outstanding achievement and contribution to the community. Previous recipients include author Pierre Berton and former prime minister John Turner.
"Mr. Wong embodies the qualities of a Great Trekker: service to students during his time at UBC, continued service to the community and success in his chosen career path," says AMS Vice-president Maryann Adamec.
A recipient of UBC's Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 1995, Wong began his career with Procter and Gamble, Inc. He was vice-president of marketing at Nabob Foods in Vancouver for nine years before becoming president and chief executive officer of Western Greenhouse Growers' Co-operative Association, also known as B.C. Hot House Foods.
Under his leadership, B.C. Hot House Foods became the largest single producer and marketer of hydroponic vegetables in North America.
He started his current position in 1998. Electronic Arts (Canada) Inc. is the largest studio in the world for developing interactive software and employs 550 people.
While at UBC, Wong served on the AMS executive and was student representative to UBC's Board of Governors.
"I learned a lot about the relationship between service and leadership while I was at UBC, "says Wong. "I feel that I serve the employees I work with -- I encourage them and figure out ways to free up their creativity."
A third-generation Vancouverite, Wong has also served on the board of directors of the Dragon Boat Festival.
The Great Trekker award, a UBC tradition since 1950, commemorates the Great Trek of 1922 when 1,200 UBC students marched from downtown Vancouver to the Point Grey site in a bid to pressure the government to complete construction of campus buildings that had remained unfinished for 15 years.